Funk | Soul Sale 251 Items

Sault returns with a new album featuring Michael Ofo and Little Simz. NINE will be limited to a short press run of 16,000 units, never to be re-issued again!

Limited to 300 copies.

Riding high on the success of Gentle Breeze, PIPER was eager to put out more new material. Keeping the same members and guest musicians, the band used its excitement and forward momentum – aided no doubt by its ever-growing experience and taste for experimentation – to produce its next album, Sunshine Kiz, within the tiny span of six months. And despite seeing no change in personnel for these latest efforts, PIPER’s musicality was constantly evolving.

Perhaps most obviously, Sunshine Kiz showed the band beginning to break away from its signature style. Instrumentals were no longer the focus as more vocal-centric tracks made their way to the fore. Sunshine Kiz turned out to be a “song album,” and its lyric sheet saw a substantial increase in the number of words. A Drumulator replaced the LinnDrums, and the programmed percussion suddenly sounded more natural. Some songs actually featured live drumming, abandoning programmed beats altogether.

It could be said that this all amounted to, at least partially, a return to PIPER’s roots. Or, maybe more accurately, it was something like PIPER circa 1981 filtered through the signature sound the band had forged with their two Breeze albums of 1983. The title track on Sunshine Kiz was released as their second-ever single – their first since “Far Away” from their debut album. And with this new single there even came a music video.

Limited to 300 copies.

Piper continues their blend of groove-laden synth-pop funk with an LP so cool that the album cover itself depicts snow-covered scenery, yet is so warm to listen to you’ll believe that you’re at an 80’s themed pool party: Gentle Breeze!

Limited edition of 300 copies on golden vinyl.

Reissued for the first time ever, Power Struggle is one of the grails of tropical record collectors. Incredible dancefloor disco, once edited by Roger Thornhill and now selling for close to $100. This is the first time the original arrangement of “dancing” has been re-released. No filler, a great listen from beginning to end, and one that doesn’t turn up often in good condition. Highly recommended, great from start to end.

With the release of 'Second Time Round' in 1973, Cymande cemented their place in music history. Descendants of the Windrush generation, they were part of the first wave of innovators and pioneers of the emerging black British music scene. The band fused influences from their Guyanese and Jamaican heritage, combining reggae basslines, Afro-influenced Nyabinghi percussion, psychedelic rock elements and American funk instrumentation to create a unique sound they called 'Nyah rock'. 'Second Time Round' was recorded when the band had just returned from a US tour with Al Green, and it was the follow-up to their self-titled debut album that firmly established the band in the ears of an enthusiastic US audience. Their debut was the first British soul album to make it into the Billboard charts and 'Second Time Round' placed them in the US charts again. They were also the first British band ever to perform at the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

Vulf Vault 006 /// Here We Go Jack 33rpm /// Black Vinyl Catalog: Vv006

Limited edition of 200 copies on golden vinyl.

Reissued for the first time in over 40 years, Show the World is an unrated and relatively unknown soul / reggae album from the Caribbean. Having recently been sampled by Benny The Butcher, collectors and producers are starting to pay attention to what has been an overlooked gem until now. With the album ranging from sweet soul that sounds like it could have been released on Motown in its prime, to funky numbers that could be played in clubs, to reggae that could stand alongside some of the Studio 1 releases, this is sure to please many. No filler.

Two singles originally released on 7" by Risco Connection's Otis Gayle brought back to record collections in remastered 12" format. On the A side, Dr. Hook's worldwide charting "Sexy Eyes" kindly recreated in Reggae cover version. On the B-side Domenic Troiano's "We All Need Love" in a disco/reggae beat featuring an additional new extended edit, respectfully. Essential dacefloor oriented Reggae with new full cover artwork.

La Matta Records proudly presents the First Official Reissue of the unique LP made by Stani Labonia, an Italian Soul-Funk masterpiece originally released in 1978 on Vincenzo Micocci's It/RCA label. This rare album recorded in Naples, finally comes out after more than 40 years, carefully restored from the original tape. Among the talented musicians who worked in the recording of this album we can find names as Jenny Sorrenti of “Saint Just”, Gaio Chiocchio founding member of “Pierrot Lunaire”, Enzo Avitabile and Gianni Guarracino, former “Città Frontale” but most importantly this LP boasts the courtesy arrangement of Pino Daniele in: La Prossima Donna. Labonia, whose real name is Stanislao Smiraglia, is from Bolzano but lived most of his life in Naples, collaborating with the main musicians of that city. He cou ld be compared with the best of the Italian scene, with strong funk and Latin influences. So this is a rare italian gem to anyone interested in Latin Jazz-Funk & Soul. Fully remastered and available as LP and in all digital stores.

Optimal pressing.
The fourth album by Sault scored 97/100 at Metacritic and is the most beloved album at HHVs Supreme 100 of 2020 list, chosen by 150 journalists, musicians, label makers and record collectors.

Written, performed, produced and recorded in an underground Wwii bunker ("The Crunch") in the English countryside, Jason Baldock’s “Grandbaby” project isn’t as cuddly as it’s cheeky name would suggest. In fact, it’s a take no prisoners, uncompromising approach to mostly-instrumental songcraft. Grandbaby's debut 7" bursts with feverish energy, formidable synth lines, crunchy/catchy guitars and an unearthly brilliance for drum break expertise most session musicians would kill for. There’s a deep history to Grandbaby, and trust, we’ll present it to you in due time. But first the story must begin the best way we know how - a tangible artifact of beautiful black wax.

"Show You" on Side A is ready to explode at Soul Nights around the world. A frenetic driving beat, strong horn charts, great soaring lead vocals, and sweet harmony backing vocals make this an instant classic in the canon of Northern Soul. And better yet, it is a fresh tune! Get yours and be the focus of the trainspotters after all the quantity is gone, bought up and filed into dj's collections.

"I Love Ya" on the B-Side is a soaring 60s Sweet Soul ballad perfect for cruising on Sunday afternoon in summer. Harmony, check... vibes, check.... lyrics about loving your woman, check... all the boxes have been checked by this side. It is the quintessential compliment to the uptempo flip. The pairing is perfect. An extra special thank you to Scott Aidlen and West Los Soul for contributing the songs featured on this release. Respect!

"Sabura Djâ Nfrontam" by one of the biggest names in the triumph of the electrification of Funaná, the great José Casimiro. The album was recorded in 1981, celebrates music made in Portuguese-speaking Africa, finally reissued for the first time.

É Soul Cultura Vol.1 seemed to land at exactly the right moment. Post-lockdown, optimism was back on the rise and the dance floors swelled again. For many listeners, Manchester based DJ Luke Una’s intriguingly woven pattern of new, old, rare and under-discovered music from around the world became the soundtrack to rejuvenated positivity.

This second volume gives another opportunity for Luke to share his journey of the past four decades of staying up late and getting transcendental whilst listening to holy grail music as the city slept. It at times ventures into the deeper, spiritual, soulful, downtempo, experimental aspects of his tastes. From the conscious, street soul fusion gospel of Veronica Mickie's 'Lost Children', to an excursion into Swiss, psych, progressive rock in the form of Pyranha, then onto the classic Indian music-inspired electronic workout of Andi Otto's 'Bangalore Whispers'. Luke hints at his softer side in Avis; a sweet, obscure cover version of Minnie Riperton’s ‘Baby, This Love I Have’, as well as championing local heroes in the shape of Manchester’s Yargo and their driving, obscure, proto-house belter, ‘Marimba’. There’s also Japanese, electronic, slo-mo heaviness from 1979, courtesy of Bach Revolution. House music is integral to the É Soul sound and is represented by Nav Aktah’s deep remix of Mr Scruff, and then there’s Isis ‘In Essense’; a track of such majestic brilliance that it has never left Luke’s record bag.

The selection is eclectic, global, and plucked from different times and spaces. In theory, perhaps they shouldn't work together, but there is a mysterious link that makes them gel as a whole. That’s what Luke does best. He creates a sort of musical alchemy, unifying the diverse.

It is best described by Luke himself, “It’s not about showing off, collector rarity, or ego-strutting, it’s all about telling stories, sharing the music, and making life’s journey mean something. In the end, of course, it’s just a compilation of other people’s music, but hopefully it’s more than that, adding something back to the pot.”

Gathered for the first time and including what can safely be called a holy grail of Gospel music is the very best of Joy, compiled from their albums “I Feel The Spirit” and “The Time Is Right”. Consisting of members of the St. Stephen's Church of God in Christ in San Diego, Joy was a performing Gospel band spreading the word of God throughout the local community and opening for renowned Gospel artists such as Danniebelle Hall, Jessy Dixon and Sandra Crouch. Led by producer/musician Matt Anderson, the two albums were recorded in ’78 and ’83 and feature an impressive array of very talented contributing artists such as bass player Michael-Kae and multi-instrumentalist Clarence Bell, also known for his work with Stevie Wonder and Patrice Rushen. Restored and remastered from the original master tapes, the compilation is available on a high quality vinyl pressing and includes the masterpiece “The Time Is Right” among a collection of lesser known but equally powerful and timeless pieces of music.

* Record Store Day Black Friday 2023 (UK & Europe) exclusive release * Limited 180g Vinyl Edition (1000 copies) with obi strip * Rare 1972 Conceptual Funk-Soul-Jazz album * Comes with extensive sleeve notes * First Ever Vinyl Reissue Galt MacDermot (1928-2018) was an award-winning Canadian-American composer, pianist, writer of classical music and theatrical pieces. MacDermot also composed music for several film soundtracks (like the 1970 blaxploitation film ‘Cotton Comes To Harlem’) and released several exceptional jazz and funk albums on his own label Kilmarnock Records. He is best known for his work on the Grammy winning 1967 musical Hair (which also produced several number-one singles like “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In”) and Two Gentlemen of Verona (1971) for which he won a Tony Award. In 2009 Galt MacDermot was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame and in 2010 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1979, MacDermot formed the New Pulse Jazz Band, which performed and recorded his original music. Galt MacDermot's music is extremely popular with collectors of jazz and funk. Working with jazz and soul musicians such as Bernard Purdie and Idris Muhammad, MacDermot created pieces that used African rhythms (he made the study of African music his speciality). In recent decades, his work has become popular with hip-hop musicians including Busta Rhymes, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Gang Starr, Action Bronson, Public Enemy, MF Doom, Madlib, J Dilla, Obie Trice, Naughty By Nature, Run DMC and Digable Planets…the list is endless. The album we are proudly presenting you today (Ghetto Suite written in 1970 and released in 1972) is considered one of the most ground-breaking records ever issued on Galt MacDermot’s Killmarnock label and consists out of a selection of songs and poems by Harlem/Bronx school children, set to Galt’s music, and sung by vocalist Angela Ortega. Given That Galt’s handling the music, you can bet that there’s plenty of nicely executed funky touches-supported by rolling bass-work, snapping drums, and organ virtuosity. But the real charm of these groovy tunes comes from the lyrics, which have a simple and to the point way of dealing with issues of racism, poverty and other issues of the time. The story telling is surprisingly gripping even after all these years. The whole album creates an extremely personal direct sensitivity to the environment of Ghetto kids…telling us with defiantly honest intensity what it was like to be young and black, the drugs and the deaths, the topic of incarceration…or simply the fact of being battered by the frustration of Ghetto existence. Ghetto Suite is way more than an entertainment record, it has been used by teachers and counsellors to inspire and motivate the muted voices of the black inner cities…documenting both their anguish and their triumphs. Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the First Ever vinyl reissue of this exceptional conceptual album (originally released in 1972 and a highly sought-after pricey collectable ever since) This unique record now comes as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition (strictly limited to 1000 copies) with obi strip and features the original artwork and extensive sleeve notes. Released exclusively for Record Store Day Black Friday 2023 (UK & Europe) and available in participating stores on November 24, 2023.

Collection of rare and previously unreleased demo recordings of some of Stax Records’ biggest hits. Pressed on Orange Crush vinyl.

Dirg Gerner's debut album "Simple Man" is a soulful masterpiece and an essential addition to your collection, offering a much-needed introspective escape in these trying times. It’s timeless music, but with an old school feel and an eye on the sonic potentials of tomorrow. The elusive maverick, of Chilean and German descent, has previously gained recognition and support from renowned figures such as Benji B, The XX, Gilles Peterson and Ommas Keith. This new body of work, featuring jazz trumpeter Theo Croker, is serving jewel after jewel of silky harmonies and plain-spoken wisdom, which makes it a must-listen for anyone seeking authentic and soul- nourishing music.

Love Touch Records is excited to release a brand new two-sider 7" by Canadian icon, singer/songwriter/composer Ivana Santilli. Ivana burst onto the scene in 1995 with her band Bass Is Base, for which she collected a Juno award. Ivana has since released five solo albums, racked up countless awards nominations and accolades, performed internationally from London to Tokyo, and toured with legendary musical acts like James Brown, Tito Puente, De La Soul, Jamiroquai, and the Roots. She has also collaborated with Omar (uk), Stuart Matthewman (Sade/Maxwell) and Mike Lindup (Level 42). Here, the A-side sees her covering a much slept-on Level 42 track, "Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind". It's a decidedly different take on the UK band's song, who are best known for their 1985 hit, "Something About You". Side B's "Air Of Love" is a slow burner that is equal parts Gap Band and Loose Ends. Santilli's sultry vocals, lush keys and poignant songwriting has blessed both tracks here, no doubt!

From the Group “The Decisions” comes 2 previously unreleased tracks from their “Apex Records” era. A 70s up-tempo group soul classic B/W a sublime sweet soul masterpiece.

Wewantsounds is delighted to reissue, in collaboration with Corbett vs. Dempsey, one of the great albums out of the BAG galaxy recorded by Luther Thomas and a cohort of musicians including Joe Bowie, Charles Bobo Shaw, Floyd LeFlore and Lester Bowie. Recorded live in 1973 at The Berea Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, the album consists of two tracks, the formidable, aptly titled "Funky Donkey" and the spiritual "Una New York." Released as a private press on Thomas" own Creative Consciousness Records, it"s reissued here for the first time since the 70s, marking the recording"s 50th anniversary, and features original artwork, remastered audio and new liner notes by Howard Mandel.

mited Pressing.

Invisible City Editions returns with an official repress of a fantastic double-sided private press rarity from 1989 Detroit. Featuring two legendary Inner City alumni Producer/keyboardist Engineer Art Forest and Inner City background vocalist dancer/singer Shawn Pittman. On the A side a lush slow modern soul slow burner “Dreams'' features a deep,spatial throbbing bass line with glistening synths floating underneath cool angelic hypnotic vocals by Ms Pittman.” 'Dreams are only Dreams till you make it real' chants Shawn Pittman and we’re lead down a dazzling maze of mirrors. With “I'm Losing Control (Extended Bass-ment Club Mix)” on the flipside a wild late night warehouse dub remix features sci-fi vocal effects,fostex tape loops and ultra-heavy bass and driving drum machines. Minimal lush soul perfect for early mornings and the post-club world and a wild sci-fi house winner for late night club sessions. An IC fave! Remastered by Brandenberg/The Carvery (Note: we’ve also removed the drum machine going out of sync that was on the original press) Official Repress via Art Forest and his label Wildboy.Essential stuff!

Art Forest is an Electronic Engineer and production wizard from Detroit Michigan. He originally recorded 2 of Inner CItys’ Biggest Hits “Good Life” and “Big Fun” and continues to record to this day. Art Forest still finds and repairs equipment to add to his studio today. He also recorded for Paula Abdul “Straight Up” and Madonnas’ “Justify My Love” Shawn Pittman was a singer and dancer from Detroit who was a good friend of Inner City vocalist Paris Grey. Shawn Pittman sang backing vocals and harmonies on “Good Life” and “Big Fun”.

Limited to 100 copies. JPQ (Jimmy Person Quintet) was a short-lived soul & funk band from the Greensboro, North Carolina area who released just one album in 1983. Their only album (Quintessence) would become a much sought-after private pressed holy grail within the record collecting community.

Jimmy Person started performing as a singer/guitarist in the early 70’s in Greensboro…after appearing at several local events and multiple appearances on Wfmy-tv, he was approached to perform regularly at a restaurant (named Sammy’s) that featured live music. By the mid 70’s Jimmy began working with his sister (Rhoda Randolph) and his then wife (Marilyn Person) both featuring as background singers. Other skilled musicians began to sit in on Jimmy’s performances…starting with Charles Carlton (guitar), followed by Cirt Gill (bass guitar) and then finally by Larry Clay (drums). The group gained quick popularity and played to a regular packed house. After Talib Din (keyboards) joined…JPQ was now complete!

Offers for gigs started coming in fast and the group began giving regular performances at a larger restaurant named Huck’s. With a fast growing fanbase, the group started evolving beyond just being Person’s “backup band” to a serious outfit with strong lead-vocals by Jimmy, Larry, and Cirt. The group started traveling to perform at dances, wedding receptions, concerts, clubs, and outdoor jazz events. The group performed as an opening act for many national artists from the likes of Melba Moore, Archie Bell and The Spinners as their popularity increased. JPQ is still remembered today for their memorable live performances in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia!

JPQ’s first recording was, “Have A Little Faith in Me” released as a 45 single. The 7inch got radio airplay on stations in North Carolina and this then led to the production of the “Quintessence” album (released on Jam-A-Ditty Records in 1983). The name of the label was a reference to Cirt’s father who was a radio pioneer (and the first Black DJ at Wgbg Radio) from 1949 to 1960. He was known on the air as ‘Jam-A-Ditty’.

After JPQ disbanded in the mid 80’s, members went their own way… Cirt Gill started his work as a band director in the Guilford County School system where he directed marching bands & jazz bands at different schools and in numerous concerts/performances. He has been busy teaching academic music production, playing in regional bands (that were opening acts for major artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Millie Jackson, Bobby Womack, The Isley Brothers, etc.) and has performed on tours both at home as abroad (from Iceland to Japan). In 1985 Gill was cast as the ‘Juke Joint Musician’ by Quincy Jones to star in Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film ‘The Color Purple’ and got the chance to work with Whoopi Goldberg, Laurence Fishburne & Oprah Winfrey.

JPQ was a true example of a bright light burning out way too quickly, thankfully we are left with the unique (and very rare) document that is their “Quintessence” album. The entire album is filled with sexy (yet strong) vocals, groovy bass lines & even cosmic/bluesy guitar touches …one can clearly hear the influences of artists like George Benson, The Crusaders, as well as several Motown acts like Marvin Gaye softly slipping in. If you like your tracks either slow, sexy and groovy or prefer them fast paced and more experimental…look no further, “Quintessence” has it all. This is THE perfect combination of slick soul, timeless funk, smooth jazz and melancholic R&B.

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first ever vinyl reissue of this fantastic private pressed North Carolina soul/funk album (originally released in 1983 on Jam-A-Ditty Records). This rare record (original copies tend to go for large amounts on the secondary market) is now finally back available as a limited vinyl edition complete with the original artwork and insert. Limited to 100 copies 180g Brown Vinyl (available exclusively from HHV Records).

"What you have here, pouring out of your listening devices, is Parisian Dreams. A genre-busting, generation-spanning, cross-pollination of 21st century beatmaking and 1970’s psychedelic composition. The styles are myriad. Running the gamut, between acoustic folky guitar riffs, through fuzzy moviesoundtrack textures, hitting grooves that land somewhere between dub and funky breakbeat jazz. MPC producer Yeti recently found himself in a session with one of his musical heroes, Janko Nivolic. A veteran composer of psychedelic funk and jazz dating back to the late 1960’s. In his digging and sampling obsession Yeti had marvelled at the compositions of Mr Nivolic for years, collecting these rarities, mostly found on obscure Library records. The title ‘Parisian Dreams’ is highly significant as is explained in this anecdote from Yeti. “At the session that I was involved in with Janko in Paris, he showed up with a score that he had conceived while dreaming the previous night. He awoke at 5 AM, scribbled it down immediately and brought it with him to the session. He didn’t need to take it over to the piano, to check if it made sense. He just knew it did. Blew my mind!” So, sit back and absorb these magical sounds from the sub-conscious of an 80 year-old musical legend, combined with punchy beats, from a revered MPC pad-tapper, specially designated, to give your woofers a workout. DJ Ollie Teeba". (Text by Soundsci/The Herbaliser)

Mississippi Bluesman Vasti Jackson is a force to be reckoned with, as an artist, Vasti is known for sweat-drenched, soul ripping performances.

In 2015 he recorded the real soul masterpiece ‘I’m Still In Love With You’. The song is a testament to the fact that true love never dies. Passion lives forevermore and grows stronger with every kiss and embrace. Share this delicious, sensual, sonic delight with that someone special, and let them know that you are still in love!

The B Side should not be overlooked either, another big sound ballad from two years earlier.

Not a great deal is known about this talented artist having released only 4 albums in a recording career that started in 1993. Raised in a musical family by piano playing parents he began learning the instrument at an early age, later concentrating on the saxophone, but became a multi-

instrumentalist by the time was signed to Verve Records, playing most forms of keyboards, synths, vibes, as well as sax and flute. He moved to Florida, from his native New York, shortly after graduating from studying music at university in New Jersey, and played in local rock bands whilst developing his love for jazz, and was working on a demo to try and get a record deal. Disaster struck when he was involved in a serious boating accident in which both hands were badly crushed and he was unable to play an instrument for many months, during which time he developed a skill for singing and composing. Turning adversity into opportunity is the best way to describe the outcome. So why is a soul label interested in releasing some of his material? Both tracks selected, "One" and "Sweeter", are released on vinyl for the first time and come from his third album, "Lights On", released on his own label Eaak Records following a break of 7 years which was devoted to raising his children. The sounds are undeniably late night make-out music, lush, sophisticated and sensuous. The majority of plaudits for his work previously came from the world of contemporary jazz and, dare I say it, smooth jazz, and was largely ignored by the soul magazines and radio stations. His captivating falsetto vocal style, reflects his influences by Curtis Mayfield, Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye. All his material is self-penned and the albums were co-produced with drummer Guy Eckstine. There is an underlying 70’s feel to the contemporary arrangements and his work is clearly deserving of greater recognition. Steve Hobbs (Solar Radio, Totally Wired Radio)

The legendary Ghanaian singer-producer Pat Thomas needs little introduction, he is a globally recognized vocalist and songwriter, famed for both his solo works and that with the highlife bands The Blue Monks, Broadway-Stargazers Dance Band, The Satellites, The Sweet Beans, Marijata, The Kwashibu Area Band and The Uhuru Dance Band. Between 1974 and 2019, he issued more than two dozen recordings offering a unique take on highlife, funk, reggae, soul and Afro-beat/pop. Pat Thomas' work was sampled many times and continues to be featured on compilations by renowned reissue-labels across the globe.

These sides are prototypical for the "Sounds Like Santana" genre coined at the Friends of Sound record store in Austin, TX years ago. Heavy Latin Rock fusion on these tracks, with just a pinch of Jazz thrown in for good measure. "Evil Deeds" starts right into it the moment the needle hits the groove on your turntable - heavy organ, percussion, shakers, and guitar all greet your ears. Moving into the track you get the typical shredding guitar solo, organ solo, and a sax solo, for good measure. "Time and Space" starts with a nod to the classic Dave Brubeck "Take Five" and continues on an adventure into a more psychedelic groove and more of a Rock vibe. Time changes and tempo shifts and big solos round out the side.